Narrative Elf on the Shelf bjd style

Elfonda Schelf is a direct descendant of those famous elves that invade homes during the month of December and then report back to Santa on whether the children are being naughty or nice. When little Flame took an interest in becoming a Christmas Elf Elfonda Schelf took him on as a junior apprentice. He has much to learn!

November 30



He started out a bit early, trimming a Christmas tree before it was even officially December. He is determined to do well and didn't want to get behind in his duties.

Please remember to "watch" the thread. If Elfonda Schelf doesn't get too busy she will post daily updates on the antics of her little apprentice.

 

December 1st

Today was Flame's first Home Schooling lesson. Elfonda is teaching him the fine art of Christmas ball gazing.



Apparently it's a lot like crystal ball reading but limited only to Christmas matters.



Things like:

• Will the weather on Christmas Eve be safe for sleigh flight without added red nose support?
• Best recipes for pumpkin pie and shortbread
• What is Johnny's favourite colour?
• Are the children all nestled snug in their beds?

 

December 2nd

With Elfonda's instruction Flame did a great job of helping out with the shortbread cookies this year!



He seemed to be having great fun up there on the counter, cutting out the little star shapes one by one.



He used my own personal shortbread recipe. It's kind of an hybrid of my family's recipe for a large batch of shortbread made with a full pound of real butter, and my husband's family's traditional "Canada Cornstarch" recipe.



You can find the recipe, and read more about the making of our family traditions, in a 2006 blog post, Shortbread Traditions.

 

December 3rd

As much as Flame loves eating the cookies he baked, I think he is enjoying sharing them with family and friends too.



Maybe it's all the compliments he's getting for being such a great little baker.

 

December 4th

Brown Paper Packages

Around Christmas time everyone seems to love a visit from the postal delivery man. Flame is no exception. He was so excited about the big brown box that he nearly pushed it up the stairs single handedly.




Not all December deliveries are filled with gifts though. Some are stuffed to the brim with supplies for making presents! In a house filled with crafty elves, that is even BETTER!!



Flame was quick to point out that this particular box is from Knitpicks so maybe Elfonda Schelf's yarn had arrived.



Elfonda is in her glory. All her favourite colours! Flame is thrilled too. Elfonda has promised him knitting lessons.

 

December 5th

Flame is really proud of this accomplishment! Peanut and Neelie are suitably impressed as well.



Flame did very well when tested on his skill at creating a fireplace where none previously existed. This is usually a talent reserved only for Christmas Eve but Elfonda has encouraged him to practice prior to the big day.

 

I was looking at some just the other day. Unfortunately for Flame it is more Littlefee size (1/6) and he is a Realfee which is a bit smaller.

 

I don't think he can, that would be considered an advanced skill well beyond his current training. But the creation of a fireplace in the home they are visiting is a skill that all of those resident Elf on the Shelf characters should be capable of doing, if they have been heeding their lessons. But as I mentioned it's a skill only used on Christmas Eve, in preparation for the Big Guy's visit.

 

Oh it wasn't his first try. He's been practicing. Today was "test" day and he came through with flying colours. Of course he was able to accomplish this with just the right snap of the fingers and wiggle of his nose, but if your girls don't mind taking a slower, less magical route to obtaining a fireplace "My Froggy Stuff' has a great tutorial on creating a river rock fireplace.



The part about the fireplace starts at 2:40 of the video.

Edited to add: hmm, didn't realize that providing the link would actually embed the video here. If that is against DoA rules someone just let me know and I will take it down.

 

December 6th

Flame's 1st Christmas Parade

It was a very long walk to find a clear spot to watch the parade, but Flame made it.



Even the constant downpour couldn't dampen his good mood.



He loved all the lights and music and the generous people handing out candy canes and other treats.

 

December 7th

Hauling Firewood

Flame and the family dog, Benjamin Bowser, just got back from a refreshing walk in the woods.



The dog wasn't the only one "fetching sticks". Flame brought back an armload of windfall wood to use in the fireplace.

 

December 8th

Flame has been busy all morning addressing holiday cards to his many friends.



He is careful to choose just the right card for each recipient.



Maybe this one is for YOU?



If he has missed anyone he is truly sorry and wants to take this opportunity, along with me, to wish everyone a very happy holiday filled with lots of love and JOY!

 

December 9th

Flame must have noticed my granddaughters' fine art proudly displayed on my fridge.



All was quiet for awhile and when I went looking for him I found him hunkered down on the Tulusson family carpet, humming "O Christmas Tree" and creating some fine artwork of his own.

 

December 10th

Elfonda Schelf has been giving Flame a few sewing lessons.



He was so pleased with his new skill that he went straight to work making some gifts for Christmas.



Whatever it is it sure is keeping him busy!

 

December 11

Two Weeks and Counting

Flame kindly moved the advent calendar to the next position



and I was in for a bit of a shock



when I realized that there are only two more weeks until Christmas!

 

I'll likely only ever have the 2 granddaughters I have now, but I am very fortunate that my three children, (all adults), and my two grandchildren, all live within a 15 minute drive of my home. I see most of them at least once a week.

I kind of figured that was what you meant. My condolences. In a basement suite might be a bit too close for comfort, but to then have them over 3,000 miles away is quite an adjustment!

And to bring this back on topic, I am so lucky to not only share the same home town as my children, but my daughter and granddaughters are into ball jointed dolls too. We gave each of my two granddaughters a "starter" BJD last Christmas. The eldest of the two (at age 8) likes to re-pose my resin crew each time she comes over. She's really good at it too! She's far better than myself at conveying a mood or story by the tilt of a head or the position of a hand. She is itching to get her hands on Flame, but so far he's been off limits. I'm a little more cautious with custom faceups.